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  1. News

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (July 2010)

By Future Music, Computer Music, Ben Rogerson
published 28 July 2010

Propellerhead Software ReBirth (£3.99)
A Mac and PC classic comes to the iPhone

Propellerhead Software ReBirth (£3.99)

Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

We’ve collated the latest plug-ins, controllers, synths and mics to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 154, Future Music issue 229 and Rhythm issue 179, and published on MusicRadar throughout July.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Propellerhead Software’s ReBirth.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Get past the fiddly interface and you'll fall in love with ReBirth all over again.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software ReBirth

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 1 of 27
Page 1 of 27
Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum ($299)
An overhauled plug-in from the pioneers of digital amp modelling

Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum ($299)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not quite the update it could have been, but Pod Farm 2 remains a strong contender in the amp sim arena.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 2 of 27
Page 2 of 27
Korg iElectribe (£5.99)
The much-loved groovebox comes to the iPad

Korg iElectribe (£5.99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“iElectribe really does turn your iPad into a functional groovebox, and a hugely enjoyable one, too.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg iElectribe

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 3 of 27
Page 3 of 27
Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ ($199)
The UA Precision range now boasts a bespoke bass enhancer

Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ ($199)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid, straightforward bass enhancer with Universal Audio's usual attention to detail and slick sound quality.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 4 of 27
Page 4 of 27
Softube Valley People Dyna-mite (£215)
A highly explosive '80s VCA dynamics unit in handy software form

Softube Valley People Dyna-mite (£215)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not an all-purpose dynamics unit by any means, but Dyna-mite excels in those situations where you need crack and snap.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Softube Valley People Dyna-mite

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 5 of 27
Page 5 of 27
BBE Sound Stomp Ware (£110)
BBE teams up with Nomad Factory to bring us an octet of guitar pedals

BBE Sound Stomp Ware (£110)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“As with real guitar pedals, BBE's bundle o' boxes is simple yet effective, with plenty of rude 'tude (dude).

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Stomp Ware

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 6 of 27
Page 6 of 27
BBE Sound Sonic Sweet (£110)
A collaboration with Nomad Factory focusing on the 'black box' enhancers that made BBE's name

BBE Sound Sonic Sweet (£110)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The L82 we can live without and the H82 is limited in scope. The D82 is a winner, though, with its time-proven processing.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Sonic Sweet

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 7 of 27
Page 7 of 27
MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer (€35)
A collision of multiband processing and flexible pitchshifting

MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer (€35)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Great for glitchy granular effects and generating additional harmonic content, though vocals aren't this plug-in's forte.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 8 of 27
Page 8 of 27
MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient (€40)
More multiband madness in the form of a transient manipulation plug-in

MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient (€40)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“MeldaProduction have made a potentially overwhelming effect relatively easy to wield, with some good results to be had.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 9 of 27
Page 9 of 27
Loomer Sequent (£58)
Can this crafty plug-in exceed the sum of its parts?

Loomer Sequent (£58)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Inspiring, fun and with a fine sound, Sequent is a fine effort from Loomer.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Loomer Sequent

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 10 of 27
Page 10 of 27
MOTU Ethno Instrument 2 (£299)
This world/ethnic ROMpler has grown to nearly three times its original size

MOTU Ethno Instrument 2 (£299)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While the multisampled patches can be hit and miss, Ethno 2's splendid selection of loops is highly desirable.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MOTU Ethno Instrument 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 11 of 27
Page 11 of 27
Iced Audio AudioFinder 5 ($69)
Not the sexiest bit of music software, but does it make up for it in usefulness?

Iced Audio AudioFinder 5 ($69)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not the sexiest bit of music software, but when it comes to getting a grip on your samples, nothing beats AudioFinder.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Iced Audio AudioFinder 5

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 12 of 27
Page 12 of 27
Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3 (£234)
Discover the secret behind incredibly tight vocal arrangements

Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3 (£234)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Do you want perfectly aligned vocals? Then get VocALign! It's that simple.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

Page 13 of 27
Page 13 of 27
Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard (£550)
All the sound power of the tiny Mopho but with some much needed interface improvements

Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard (£550)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Adding a keyboard and improving the interface takes the Mopho to the next level.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 14 of 27
Page 14 of 27
Korg Monotron (£59)
Korg's first venture into analogue synth territory for nearly three decades

Korg Monotron (£59)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Forget about its weaknesses. At such a low price it's impossible to resist its many charms.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Monotron

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 15 of 27
Page 15 of 27
Allen & Heath Xone:DX (£999)
Four deck action with this complete digital DJ solution

Allen & Heath Xone:DX (£999)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A total quality system, easy to use with loads of power for the ultimate decks 'n' FX DJ set.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath Xone:DX

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 16 of 27
Page 16 of 27
Korg Sound on Sound (£234)
A must-have bit of kit with infinite overdubs and amp sims too

Korg Sound on Sound (£234)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Korg Sound on Sound is likely to become a must-have utility item for many musicians.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Sound on Sound

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 17 of 27
Page 17 of 27
Apogee GiO (£288)
Apogee and Apple bring their Mac-based guitar effects into the hardware world

Apogee GiO (£288)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Should definitely prove a popular choice for guitar- and Apple-based musicians and producers.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Apogee GiO

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 18 of 27
Page 18 of 27
SPL Frontliner Model 2800 (£1644)
SPL's new flagship recording channel strip

SPL Frontliner Model 2800 (£1644)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flexible, hybrid, modular channel strip from SPL with a sound and tone to die for.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SPL Frontliner Model 2800

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 19 of 27
Page 19 of 27
Alesis Palmtrack (£119)
Alesis's multi-mic recorder gives performance and price

Alesis Palmtrack (£119)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Its no-nonsense design makes it an ideal 'point and shoot' stereo recorder at a great price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Alesis Palmtrack

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 20 of 27
Page 20 of 27
Toontrack Electronic EZX (£49)
Tired of the traditional drum kit? Try this far-out collection of synthetic sounds

Toontrack Electronic EZX (£49)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Control freaks may be better off elsewhere, but for a plug-and-play solution featuring some of the freshest, most inspiring electronic percussion around, Electronic EZX hits the mark.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Electronic EZX

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 21 of 27
Page 21 of 27
Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350 (£1479)
Entry level DJ gear with many pro features included

Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350 (£1479)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fantastic, ready-to-go DJ setup that is future-proofed with USB and the RekordBox software.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 22 of 27
Page 22 of 27
Fostex PM0.4n (£140)
The new babies of Fostex's studio monitor range

Fostex PM0.4n (£140)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Packing more sonic weight than their size would suggest - good for those on a budget.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fostex PM0.4n

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 23 of 27
Page 23 of 27
Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic (£1056)
A new valve mic that could be just what you need for your BVs

Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic (£1056)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The BV-1 is a very stylish mic. It's not cheap, but the price is reasonable given what's included.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 24 of 27
Page 24 of 27
Audio Damage Discord 3 ($60)
Get discordant with the pitch-shifter from hell

Audio Damage Discord 3 ($60)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Another fantastic sound mangler from Audio Damage that won't hurt your wallet.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio Damage Discord 3

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 25 of 27
Page 25 of 27
Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors (£564)
The new mini addition to Focal's CMS range

Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors (£564)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The CMS 40s performed beyond my expectations for their size. Put them at the top of your list!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Page 26 of 27
Page 26 of 27
VIR2 Electri6ity (£259)
Eight classic guitars in virtual form

VIR2 Electri6ity (£259)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A comprehensive and intelligent library that impressively meets all electric guitar needs.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: VIR2 Electri6ity

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Liked this? Now read: In pictures: the best hi-tech gear of 2009

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Page 27 of 27
Page 27 of 27
Future Music
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Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

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